Don't waste that space

Is that empty Harvestore or silo just taking up space when it could be used for dry grain storage? Cady in Tampico, IL, has an aeration package that will help you make the most of that empty space.

The package is designed to convert Harvestores or concrete silos with diameters from 17 to 40 ft. and heights up to 90 ft. for dry grain storage. Company owner Randy Cady says installation takes about 28 to 35 hrs., depending on the diameter of the silo, and does not cause structural damage. The structure can also be returned to its original condition at any time.

Package features. Grain is fully aerated through the system's engineered aerated floor, which limits the formation of dead air spots where moisture migration can occur.

The system also features a high-strength floor support system with enough subfloor space to provide sufficient aeration, and an 8-in. discharge auger with a motor for fast grain unloading. It has center and intermediate discharge roller wells, a high-volume roof vent for Harvestore structures, a high-speed centrifugal fan matched to the structure's requirements and all necessary hardware for installation. Most importantly, Cady says the system delivers 1/7 CFM/bu. regardless of the dry grain depth.

Several options are available with the aeration package. An air/unload transition enables the operator to aerate and unload the structure simultaneously. It allows for convenient periodic grain removal and allows the structure to be used as a wet holding system during harvest. A sweep unit, auger filling access door, temperature monitoring system and a direct truck-loading option are also available.

Cady says that you can begin converting to dry grain storage with this system starting at $0.24 /bu.

Living proof. This system has been on the market since 1980, and Cady says demand for it fluctuates with the volume of grain produced in any given year.

Morrey DeSutter of DeSutter Farms in Woodhull, IL, installed the system in five Harvestores, ranging from 42 to 90 ft. tall, on his operation. He had feeder cattle, but then decided to convert to grain farming. The Harvestores were already in place, so converting them to dry grain storage was a logical choice. "They work just as good as a grain bin," DeSutter claims.

After installing the company's aeration system and a continuous-flow dryer system, he found he has storage for up to 200,000 bu. using all but one silo. He uses the remaining silo for wet storage. He says he's saved money because he didn't have to build new bins. Contact Cady Inc., Dept. FIN, 383 Hwy. 92, Tampico, IL 61283, 815/438-5678 209.